Famous Obits

While most of early America’s luminaries were famous, not all of them were rich. John Paul Jones, as an example, is often referred to as the father of the American Navy. Yet he died in poverty, requiring a friend to raise enough money to provide for his burial.Unlike today’s media, newspapers two-hundred years ago covered the deaths of early America’s personalities in a Spartan-like style, offering just the facts and, oftentimes, not much more.

We have culled our archives of obituaries to show you how early America reported the deaths of its most famous citizens. This list will continue to expand, so check in from time to time.